Movistar Team leader
Enric Mas has experienced a year of ups and downs in his career as a professional cyclist, and words of support have often been scarce from Spanish fans. However, an authoritative voice in Spanish cycling has decided to speak out at a crucial moment for the Mallorcan cyclist: Miguel Induráin.
Miguel Induráin, the greatest Spanish cyclist in history and five-time winner of the Tour de France, is an indisputable reference in the world of cycling. When Induráin gives an opinion on cycling, it is wise to pay attention, as his vast experience and knowledge are unmatched.
The 2023 season has not been kind to Enric Mas. The Movistar Team leader has suffered challenging performances in the Grand Tours, which has disappointed many fans. However, Miguel Induráin has decided to back the young cyclist in these difficult times.
"Enric Mas is a fighting rider who perhaps hasn't had the luck lately," Induráin said in an interview with Cope Mallorca. Mas started the season with great expectations, but an injury sidelined him from day one of the Tour de France. However, in the Vuelta a España, Mas showed his tenacity and fight, saving the season in an impressive way.
Induráin understands the difficulties involved in recovering from injury and the challenge of rebuilding the season. He stressed the importance of calmness and preparation for next year. "If you have options to prepare for the Tour, not many riders can do that. If you have options to do something, it can give you a lot, but if it goes wrong, it also takes away from you," he added.
The legendary Spanish cyclist also stressed that Enric Mas lacks self-confidence and that he would gain it with some victories on his palmarès. "It's important to have that courage to face that challenge. He lacks some confidence, the day he wins a couple of races he will break that tension he has inside," Induráin said. He also mentioned how rivals know their opponents' weaknesses and put pressure on Mas to push him out of his comfort zone.
In a sport as demanding and competitive as cycling, confidence is a valuable asset. Enric Mas' career still has a long way to go, and the support and guidance of figures such as Miguel Induráin can be fundamental in his development as an elite cyclist.